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Voice of the Teonmnry ! 



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PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



YORK COUNTY CONVENTION, 



HOLDEN AT ALFRED, SEPT. lo, 1813, 



BOSTON : 

PRINTED BY MUXROK AND FRENCHj NO. 8, STATK-STHRST, 

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AGREEABLY to public notice, a Convention of more than SIX HUN- 
DRED REPUBLICAN CITIZENS, represent in?; e\ery to\\ii in the 
County of lurk, assembled at Alfred, on the tenth iastant, to consider 
and resolve on tlie momentous subjects of public affairs. Deeply im- 
pressed with the solemnity of the occasion, the convention in the first 
place attended divine service, at whicli the Rev. Mr. Webster, of Bid- 
dcford, acceptably officiated. The Convention then moved in procession 
from the Church to the Court-house. So i^rand a spectacle, of the same 
nature, was never before presented in the counly of York. At a time 
Avhen faction boasts that disaffection pervades the A^hole mass of the 
community, that none are in favor of public measures but tlse dependants 
and expectants of the administration, to see sueh a body of tlie solid 
yeomanry come forward to tender their countenance to the constituted 
authorities ; and s«»lcuiiily pledge themselves in support of those meas- 
ures wliicli have been adopted to save the country, x^as Irulv a pleasiui; 
and sublime sight. Th.e convention uj)on being assembled in the Court- 
House, chose the Hon. ALEXANDER RICE, Fresiclent and DANIEL 
WOOD, Es(j. i*)fcretavi/, and appointed a committee consisting of a mem- 
ber from each town, to prepare a Re|)ort for their consideration. The 
committee reported (he following RESOLL^TIONS and ADDRESS, 
which after being ably and elo(piently advocated, were unanimously 
adopted, and ordered to be duly signed, and published in the Boston 
I'atriut, Imhpendcnt Chronicle. Salem Jfegister^ and Eastern Jiro;us^ and 
a ^o;)y to b.* tran luitted to the President of ihe United States. 



RESOLUTIONS. 

FREAMBLE. 

The United States are engaged hi war for the vindication of 
their rights upon the ocean. These rights must be mai?itainedor 
our Independence must he surrendered. Every thing vahiable to 
men in this world is now at stake. Our fate as a nation and as 
individuals^ is to he decided by force of arms. At this awful mo- 
ment^ public spirit sliould nerve every arm, and love of country 
sivell every bosom. The suhli?ne spectacle of a xvhole people, 
regardless of private animosities, rising as one man to save their 
country, should now be presented to the world. JVith what dis- 



^tist and /lorror, then^ must xve witness and record^ at a moment 
so portentous^ the degrading triumphs of foreign infuence ; the 
extended combinations of domestic treason ? .\'o sooner is war 
declared, than proclamation of universal disaffection is made ; the 
country is inuudated witli seditious inflammatory publications ; 
high public functionaries side against their country, and enlist 
under the banners of faction ; civil war is threatened with all its 
horrors ; our national and state Cofistitutions are menaced with 
prostration ; a project to dissolve the Union is unblushingly an- 
jwunced ; while a disastrous war, a disgraceful peace, are to be 
among the results of these nefarious machinations ; and tJie eleva- 
tion of a party into power hostile to the liberties of the people, 
who are to rule over the whole or part of the United States, ac- 
cording to circumstances, is to be the glorious consummation of all. 

In such a state of things what remains to be done ? Shall an 
immense majority of the people be silent and suffer the clamors of 
faction to pass for the unanimous expression of public opinion ? 
JFhile the air is rent with the venal outcries of foreign agents 
and the frantic ravings of domestic conspirators, against the 
•measures of government, shall not the voice of reason and patri- 
otism be heard in their favor ? — That our rulers ?7iay be able 
to place a just and certain reliance on the energy and public 
spirit of their constituents; that mutual confidence, among the 
American people, may be universal, the patriotic stand which 
each section of the union mci.ns now to take, ought to be publicly 
and solemnly proclaimed. 

Therefore, RESOLVED, By this Convention, that in 
this hour of peril, it is the duty of all descriptions of faithful cit- 
izens to fly to the standard of their country. 

Resolved, That the war in which we are engaged, is, on the 
part of this country, sacredly just — that it has been absolutely 
ibrced upon the nation, that the only way to obtain a safe and 
lionorable peace is to prosecute it wtth that determined spirit, 
that patriotic unanimity, that resisdess encrg\- which belong to 
an high miiukd and powerful people, who for the maintenance 
of their rights, have appealed to arms. 

Resolved, That Great Britain, since the American revolution, 
has never ceased to regurd this country with a jaundiced eye ; 
that the achievement of our independence, our commercial pros- 



pcrity, our republican government, have excictd in her rulers, 
towards us, a deep and deadly hatred ; that she lias never ceased 
to cherish the proud hope of our final subjugation to her views 
of universal maritime domination. 

Bi'solvcd, That the English government is at this moment 
uncjutstionably making large calculations on our divisions ; that 
she lias been led, as appears by official documents, to count as- 
suredly upon a powerful British party among us, who would be 
able to prevent the sword of this country from being draw n 
against her, however enormous might be her outrages upon our 
rights and honor. " If contrary to all calculation our rulers 
should be found to possess sufficient energy to resolvcon war,"* 
this party w^as, at once, to compel them to thro^v away the 
sword and submit to Great Britain. 

Resolved That it is now the settled plan of our incensed, re- 
lentless, implacable foe, by means of her trade, her emissaries, 
her agents, her spies and incendiaries ; by bribery and corrup- 
tion C by arraying one half our citizens against the other in 
a contest for supremacy ; by the hopes which the chances of 
war hold out to faction ; at length by open civil discord, to con- 
vulse this country to its centre, to drench this land in blood, 
and finally by a dissolution of our Union, or by the exaltation 
of her pa/iy into power, by the destruction of our Republican 
Institutions, or in either case, by an humiliating, disgraceful 
peace, effectually to break dow-n the spirit of this people, and 
ultimately to render this nation the mere instrument of her 
greatness, the mere appendage of her extended empire. 

Resolved, T\\^\. it is a fact too plain to be disputed, and which 
must forever disgrace the page of our history, a fact not to bo 
paralleled except in barbarous ages, or among the most corrupt 
luUions, that these ruthless schemes of conquest and ruin, these 
diabolical measures to sink the name of our republic, and 
lay our country low in the dust, are in fatal consent widi the 
conduct of a large portion of our own citizens, who lend them- 
selves to the view^s of the common eiiem}-, who ha^ing objects 
of their own which cannot be accomplished w ithout foreign aid, 
or in a time of national disaster, flatter themselves that the period 
l^.as now arrived which is to crown their proudest hopes. These 
* See Henry's Correspondence. 



polkical criminals, these traitors to their country, have long I'or- 
mcd a combination so powerliil ; whose devotion to England, 
whose hostility to their own country, have been so ^vell known 
ill Europe as well as America, that the British Government 
sent to these men, as we all know, a secret but solemn embassy 
to form an alliance for the accomplishment of the most horrible 
purposes. Circumstances put a stop to this negotiation. Late 
appearances indicate that, in some form or other, it may have 
since been fully consummated. 

J^csohcdj That a British party has undeniably existed in 
this country since tha days of tke Revolution. This party receiv- 
ed a powerful accession by the return of the refugees after the 
war. No sooner were the Tories strangely taken into public 
fa^'our than this party aspired to po^ver. — Strong now by their 
activity, tlw^ir wealth and talents, having seduced from the lo\c 
of liberty manv distinguished individuals, having attained to 
places of high public confidence, an occurrence took place 
which seemed to establish their fortunes beyond the reach of 
accident. The excesses, the fatal termination of the French 
revolution had excited universal disgust and hon'or. It had 
the effect to produce a surprising iniiuence upon political senti- 
ments in this country. The impopulai'ity of republican prhici- 
j)lcs soon became apparent. JNIonarehical and aristocratical o- 
])inions, it was evident, daily gained ground. Our own revo- 
lution itself became unpopular. To believe that there could be 
no such thing as a government of the people, and that a limited 
monarchy, under sonie name or other, was the best form of 
civil polity, became the order of the day. The pulpit, the ros- 
trum, the press, resounded the doctrine. Colleges and Acad- 
emies lent tlicir aid. A large party \\■^s soon formed on this 
ground. Loathing the name of Frenchmen, they soon learnt 
to adore their enemies, the English. Our former oppressors 
were suddenly converted into the chosen people of God. I'-ng- 
land became " the bulwark of our icligion." The batdes which 
slie fought were for the libcrlics of the world. The leaders of 
the old 13riLish faction had the address to place themselves at the 
head of this party i.nd to amalgamate it with their own. The 
clergy had been artfully secured. They were invited to asso- 
ciate piety witli all the talents and wealth of die country. And 



the cloak of religion was borrowed for the whole concern.-* 
These parties thus consolidated, thus arrayed, thus directed, be. 
came irresistible, bore down all opposition, and ere long obtain, 
ed a decided ascendency in our pubUc councils. f American 
principles, however, soon had their turn to reign. This great 
party, which had chosen to term itself federal, and which had 
entangled in its toils many of our best citizens, now declined 
■faster than it arose. Driven from the public councils ; contin- 
ually sinking in reputation and in numbers ; gradually deserted 
by all who would not sacrifice their country on the altar of fac- 
tion ; having lost all hope of po\ver but by revolutions, public 
convulsions, or national disasters ; burnt up with ambition, de- 
voured by chagrin ; the remains of this party, thus formed, thus 
exalted, thus fallen, is now dwindled and reduced to a disap- 
pointed, remorseless faction, whose bitterness exceeds the bit- 
terness of gall and wormwood ; whose venom the poison of the 
Upas or the Asp. But for the eflbrts of this faction, t^ic Em- 
bargo would have saved the country. Great Britain ^vould 
have receded from her la\vless usurpations. And long before 
this the sunshine of former prosperity would have burst upon us. 
Unable to prevent a declaration of war, this faction are resolved 
it shall end disasterously. The good people of America are 
then to discover that they have no friends but those f^eut poli- 
ticians who shall have had the magnanimity and patriotism to 
sell tlK;ir country to England. 

This faction now plots state confederacies ; rebellions backed 
by state authorities ; revolutions and new governments ; and iie 
members of this iiiction are to lend their aid if necessary to 
guide the destinies of these new empires. 

Resolved^ That we can consider the project of a state convention 
at Boston ; of a convention of states at Hartford ; the refusal of 
the governor of this Commonwealth, as well as of Rhoec- Island 

t In vain did President Adams attempt to l;alance thi-i itic'ioU: i.n'| r« 
strain it williin any bounds. Because lie would not saci iUee the to: • tiy to 
its views, lie himself was to he privately sacrificed. Mr. Adams v.as not 
aiaou^ the last tt) discover that he was not designed, in reality, fcr the next 
l>residency. And he mai^iKiiiiiuously t^loried in the elevation of M ^ Jeft'er- 
son to the chair, because, aiihouyh a rival candidate, his election etfcctually 
overthrew the tory anli-^allico-auglo faction, and secared the triumph of 
Vujerican principles. 



8 

aiid Connecticut to afford to government the aid of the Militia ; 
the bold proceedings of State Legislatures ; the alarming project 
of state armies, only as so many fearful omens that desperate 
measures are in serious contemplation ; a state of things in 
wliich the general government is to be resisted by the sword ; 
when this country is to present a scene of universal desolation, 
and this land is to be converted into a field of blood. 

Resolved^ That it is with profound regret we observ^e minis- 
ters of religion suffering themselves to be dragged into these 
murderous projects. All men are liable to become fanatical, 
some are so by constitution. We would regard with tender- 
ness and candor the aberrations of our most useful class of citi- 
zens. But when we see pretended heralds of the mild and 
beneficent gospel of Jesus Christ, throwing off all regard to com- 
tnon decency, outrageously insulting the majesty of the public, 
sanctioning by their discourses the vilest defamations, proclaim- 
ing from the desk the most palpable untruths, exciting among 
their lellow citizens, bitterness, rancor and hatred ; endeavouring 
to quench e\cry spark of patriotism, and put a stop to the first 
risings of public spirit, stirring up insurrection, rebellion and 
civil war, we can view them only in the light of public incen- 
diaries, the decided adversaries of their country, the open aux- 
iliaries of the common enemy, and men who have forfeited all 
claim to public respect and public support. 

Resolved^ That we regard with high approbation the conduct 
of many distinguished individuals of the opposition, (among 
whom we notice with great pleasure an eminent citizen of this 
state,) who on this terrific occasion, have seceded from their 
former friends, denounced their horrible projects, and joyfully 
restored themselves to the favor of their countrv. 

Resolved^ That a tribute of national aj^plause is due to the 
Hon. Joseph B. Varnum, William Widgery, Kben. Seaver, 
Ch tries Turner, Isaiah L. Green, AN'iHiam M. Richardson, 
and Francis Carr, F.squires, for their independence and patri- 
otism in voting for a DECLARATION OF WAR. 
We regard the abuse and insults which they have received, 
as outrages upon the whole community ; and instead of 
of proceedini; from ebullitions of public resentment, as the mere 
artificial contrivances of a few unprincipled actors behind the 
scenes, to render the war impopular and odious. 



9 

Resolved^ That sliould any overt attempt be actually made, 
as has been repeatedly intimated, to break down the Constitu- 
tion of this state, and to dri\e from their seats the patriotic 
Senate of this Commonwealth because they cannot be bent to 
the views of faction, wc shall feci it our duty immediately to 
FLY TO ARMS ! Let those who prepare to execute this pro- 
ject, weigh the matter well. Its perpetration will be resisted 
by a physical force which they will be unable to meet. They 
must abide the consequences ! ! 

Resolved, That at this day of danger and alarm, it is rather a 
time for actions than for professions ; that exposed as we are to 
external, and menaced as wc are by internal foes, it is our sacred 
duty to be prepared for all emergencies ; and as the Governor 
has refused to call out the militia when demanded by the Pres- 
ident agreeably to the Constitution ; as we have an extensive 
frontier by sea and land, exposed to the enemy ; as desperate 
measures seem to be resolved on by faction ; it is therefore 
hereby recommended to all the friends of our rights and liber- 
ties, resident in this county, whether exempted from military 
duty or not, forthwith to arm and equip themselves for military 
service, in those cases where it h is not been already done, and 
hold themselves in readiness to act at a moment's warning. — 
And it is further recommended that each town form one or 
more companies, as aforesaid, appoint their officers, and tender 
their services to Government to support the /uxl's, suppress 
insurrections, and repel invasions ! 

Resolved, That the capture of our North Western Arm}-, so 
far from operating as a disheartening occurrence, will, we trust, 
produce an universal conviction that the war in which ;\e arc 
engaged must be vigorously prosecuted ; th.it ])ublic spirit 
must be effectually addressed ; something like adequate com- 
pensation be allowed the brave men who are to fight our battles, 
and the sleeping energies of our country be c.illed into imme- 
diate action. 

Resolved, That wc principally rejoice in the brilliant victory 
lately achieved by the skill and courage of our brave seamen 
r.ndcr the conduct of their gallant and able commander, under 
the sanguine hope that greater dcpendeu'-e Mill in future be 
placed on a naval force ; and that while no time is lost iii pusli- 



10 

ing on the war by land, tlie conviction will soon be unixersal, 

that THE DATILES FOR COM.MERCE MUST BE FOUGHT UPON 
THE OCEAN. 

Resolved^ That \vc have the firmest confidence that the ear- 
liest opportunity will be embraced by government to procure a 
safe and honorable peace. When war could not be avoided 
with safety or honor, our rulers declared it at the risk of their 
popularity. They have every inducement to make peace which 
can influcFiCe men. But would the leaders of the British party 
rejoice at this event ? Would they hail an immediate satisfac- 
tory settlement of all our difficulties with foreign nations ? — 
Would they delight to see the country basking in the sunshine 
of former prosperity ? That an immense majority of the party 
opposed to the war would, we have not the smallest doubt. — ' 
Not so with their leaders ! Ambitious, unprincipled, they can 
see no way to greatness, but in their country's ruin. Thcv 
leave nothing undone which can embarrass the government and 
prolong the war. Every patriotic statesman, every ad^•ocate of 
the rights, interests and honor of his country, is mercilessly 
hunted down. They rend the air with their ceaseless clamors ; 
they load every breeze with the poisonous exhalations of their 
defaming breath. Is all this to induce Great Britain to sue for 
peace, upon just and honorable terms ? ^Yc know the contrary. 
An inunediate return of prosperous times would be regarded 
by the leaders of the British faction as the greatest misfortune. 
It would be the destruction of their inlluence ; the ruin of their 
projects ; the death-blow of their fondest ho[)Cs. 

Rtsolved^ That the deprivations and public burdens, iiieident 
to a suite of war, will be cheerfully borne by the republican cit- 
zens of the county of York. Tlieir patriotism is not to be 
<[uenehed l)y the pressure of jniblic calamities. The republlcun 
citizens of this county w ill stand by their country to the hist 
cent of property and to the last drop of their blood. 

Resolved, Tl"u\t we need only to be seriously engaged in this 
conflict, anl \'ictory will crown our arms. The nation need 
only be roused, to carry on the war triumphantly. ^^ e ha\ e 
only to employ the means which heaven has put into our hands 
to obtain a spced\', a solid and a lasting Peace. 

^VLKXAXDKR RICE, Promlnu. 

1)ANT1:E wood, Secretary. 



ADDRESS 

TO Tim CITIZENS OF YORK COCYTl. 

FELLOW-CITIZENS ! 

IN times of danger and calamity, our Fathers were 
wont to meet and reciprocate their patriotic sentiments, and to 
improve, inculcate and disseminate those principles which are 
essential to liberty. In case of threatened or actual War, their 
patriotism was \varmed, their zeal animated, their exertions 
augmented, and their strength became equal to the day. Hence 
have they subdued the wilderness, vanquished the sa^•agcs, re- 
sisted the oppressor, and effected their Freedom and Indepen- 
dence. 

Since our dismemberment from the British Empire, we ha\c 
been the envy and admiration of the world. For thirty years 
liad we enjoyed, with little inten-uptioii, peace, prosperity, and 
happiness. Spectators of those cruel and vindictive wars, 
which desolated Europe, we could feel for their distresses, dep- 
recate the spirit which dictated them, but could entertain no 
wish to be involved in their calamities. Pursuing tliat system 
of neutrality which Washington adopted and enforced, we had 
a right to "expect from the belligerents, that respect for our 
rights, which was due to us as an independent nation. From the 
wise, pacific, and impartial policy of the American Government, 
the tyrants of Europe could expect no aid to their ambitious 
views. Each wishing to involve us in an unprofitable and de- 
structive contest ; each affecting to suspect us of partiality to 
his foe, and each jealous of our peace and growing pros|K'ritv. 
our course was critical, difficult, and dangerous. To :ivr)icl 



12 



contests in ulticl. we hud no interests, and at il.e same tniie to 

seeure o r commereial privileges, we had taken the preeaution 

o define them by treaty' with most of the nations ol Ku -pe 

R„. irom the close of the American Revolution, Great lint- 
ain h"; pTr'iednt violating our "cutramy, by foreib.v entering 
our vessels, and taking our seamen. We had msisf d that on 
Te/nTX the fia^ should protect those -.vho sa,led under U 

tlnf for one natioif forcibly to take the seamen from the ves- 
Tlsof moXr is an act of hostility-that though Britain has 
rLhttXo"«."6/Vc«., who have not becoine naturalized 
tn the United States, this is not the way to obtain them - 
•PhouTh these doctrines had been most conclusively enforced 
by min of ^t %.ies in the United States, Great Briuun had 
wikedh and w mtonly pursued her arbitrary practice of fo ciblj 
ra&mouryessefsitsea^Britishsubjeetsnattn^ihz^^^^^^^^^^^ 
\^nn^ foreismers of all descriptions, and even nati\e citizens. 
Thus was t^mercham embarrassed in his voyage, the captain 
den rival o the services of his crew, the poor unfortunate v,e. 
tmdrtTed/rom his eountry, his w/., A", '•/"*"'•, "" . ' " 
/Lr to mao-nify the pride and power of the British nation 

Aginst thSo-utrlge up'on the rig'^-.f /'-.J^-X^Ttal \h 
h-.d at ill times, and under eyery administration, protested, i nc 
offltce had b come insupportable, and demanded immediate 
:to,K™ent_Vet it is said 'that we ought '» -;d-- - "^'f" - 
able diswace, and submit to the indignity of the slaven oi our 
citize s^ Scr than enforce a spirit of resentment. To such 
deLn-X- and slavish doctrine, this Convention cannot s ib- 
fcrTbe They ^e satisfied that this injury alone wou d justify 
• r^trnpt ancfvigorous retaliation. But to ^-se insults ,o our 
national honor-these attacks upon the ''b^'X °f «"^ ^^;'"^^' 
are added others of a deeper malignity. ^ ' ° ,f;,.°;'' ^^"'^^ 
merce had stiffered bv the grosser passions w nth vv. r exc. s, 
Uwas rosnerous and lucrative umil the 16d, ol May, 1806 
when l' ngllJnd declared all the coast, ports -d-ers from 
Bri-st to the Kibe, inclusive, in a state of blockade. 1 luis by 
. mere do^la a ioi , without the possibility of inxestment and 
a^Ist every nrinJiple of national law, one thousand miles of 
Lt'c:Lt"Kl':oiJoftheprina,«lpor^^^ 
were subjected to a paper blockade, and th. channels 



1 



commerce with near thirty millions of people, ol)structcd To 
tins was succeeded the Frencli Berlin decree of the ^ist No 
vember, 1806, blockading the British Islands and their depen' 
dencies. Hou'ever ridiculous might have been the attempt to 
enforce this monstrous edict, at a time when a French shin 
durst scarcely venture upon the ocean, it was caught at as a 
reason for prohibitmg our commerce xvith the enemies of 
F.ngland, and at length of blockading most of the ports of j-'u 
rope iM-om this time America has been the sport and prev'of 
the belligerents. Our government have reasoned, remonstrated 
and protested m vain. Adverse to war, disposed to make aw 
sacnhce to peace, short of the honor and independence of the 
nation, and finding that we had nothing to expect but outra-e 
and violence on the ocean, we withdrew from the scene of con 
tention, and attempted the experiment of subsisting upon our 
own resources. The clamors of our own citizens rSKiJred the 
Embargo MielTectual, and a Non- Intercourse was substituted 
to cease to operate against that nation which should first cea J 
to violate our rights. At length Trance offieiallv notific'l ,^ 
hat her edicts were repealed, and with her our com mere a f re! 
lations were restored. From that time our commerce has bc'en 
subjected to the rapacity of the British cruisers. In vain Inve 
we attempted to negotiate. Arguments, clear and irresistibT 
have been evaded by empty professions, pitiful pretences rnd 
contemptible subterfuges. At length we were g ven to imder 
stand that the Orders in Council must continue, umil t le 
Jnrf' wr '^'"'^ ^n^^^^^d, m cases ^;here th.ev did not 
affect us. What was to be done ? So early as 1809, Concre^ 
I3y a vote, nearly unanimous, declared that the United States 
ought not to submit to these hostile edicts. To add to all this 
the merciless salvages had been instigated to acts of barbarous 
and vindictive wadlu-e, and the tomahawk and sealping-knJc 
had been raised against the defenceless inhabit:uits of" the fron- 
tiers. And to fill up the measure of British iniquitv, a spv had 
been detected m atteuipting to seduce the eiti'.ensVrcm-tl;e^ 
allegiance, and to tfleet a dissolution of the Union, 
the L ^>^^^^^tion having for more tlian twent^- >ears witnessed 
the impressment of our citizens, and for nearlV'six vears en- 
ciured the most ^v■anton and outrageous aggi-ess'ions oii'ouf com- 



14 

merce, having demanded, and even solicited, redress vvidioiit 
tlic most distant ]:)rospect of obtaining it, we have been COM- 
PELLED TO RESORT TO ARMS.— In a war so just, for 
the protection of rights so essential, and after the endurance of 
insults and aggixssions so aggravated, was it expected that a 
murmur would escape, on account of the war '? Could we enter- 
tain a suspiciou that there were those who would refuse their 
aid in prosecuting diis war '? Is it possible, diat it has entered 
into the hearts of the most desperate and \\icked, to raise the 
standai'd of rebellion, and kindle the flames of a civil war, 
rather than contcid for the preservation of those rights and lib- 
erties which were purchased by the best blood of our fathers '? 

It is witli mortification and regret that this couA-ention per- 
ceive that there is a desperate and malignant faction among us, 
organized to embarrass the government in prosecuting the war, 
to aid and encourage the enemy, and effect a sepai'ation of the 
Northern from the other States. — Within the memory of many 
of us, the British nation was destroying our property, burning 
our cities, barbarously butchering our wives and children, and 
attempting to fix the badge of slavery on us and our posterity. 
Now, we fmd among us, her advocates from the pulpit, the bar 
and the bench, applauding her candor and magnanimity, inag- 
nifyhig her power, palliating her aggressions, and justifying her 
for die wounds ^.he is inilicting on our countiy. — It is with that 
indignation \vhich the io\e of country sliould always inspire, 
that we perceive that the sacred desk has, in many instances, 
been prostituted to b:-.:>c and treasonable purposes. \\'hen men 
so respectable and influential as the clergy, pervert their sacred 
office, and in time of war endeavor to persuade men to acts of 
opposition and rebellion, it becomes us to watch, with unnsual 
solicitude, over our rights ; and withdraw all countenance and 
support from men who have pro\cd themselves un\vorthy of 
tlieir oflice. 

At this time it is ])articularly essential that you be watchful 
over your liberties. Most of the heroes of tl\e revolution have 
gone to reap the reward of valor and patriotism — Your \\ ash- 
ington is not with you, to animate by liis examples, or instruct 
by his precepts — Already, are his predictions beginning to be 
realized — Already you ha\e the testimony of a respectable, 
honorable, and Iwnc^it federalist, hat a State Convention 



15 

tion is summoned for the purpose of taklnj^ into considera- 
tion THE EXPEDIENCY OF DISSOLMNG THE 
UNION — The storm of civil discord is gathcrinj^, the thun- 
der roLirs at a distance, and the lightning gleams on thj dim 
mantle of night — Prepare to meet, to resist its fury. 

How do you relish the expressions of joy which you hear at 
a little British success ? What do you think of tlie m:ui who 
rejoices at the misfortunes of his country ? It is not three years 
since the federalists were complaining that the government were 
destitute of energy, and embargo and non-intercourse were 
submission. Now war is the worst of calamities. When 
Mr. Madison made the arrangement with Mr. Erskine, they 
said that this ought to have been done before, and that it was 
what England had always been willing to do. When England 
refused to ratify this arrangement, they blamed Mr. Madison 
for doing it all. They affect to deprecate a treaty with France, 
as the prospect of effcctmg one increases, and to wish it, as the 
prospect diminishes. — The republicans do not feel indifkrent 
to the wrongs and insults we have recei\ed from France — They 
are satisfied that unless atonement is made, war ought to, and 
must ensue — But the aggressions of one nation are no palliation 
for those of another — And with what consistenc}- can the pro- 
fessed friends of peace wage a war with both nations at once ? 
Has not the constitutional authority of the United States a right 
to select one of two enemies, each of which has given us am- 
ple cause of war ? 

We love peace — we deprecate war — but \vc apprehend that 
a peace purchased by the surrender of our essential rights, would 
render us contemptible in the eyes of the world, and in\ itc ag- 
gression, rather then prevent it. 

What then is to satisfy the opposers of the Cio\crnment ? 
Power ! Power under the auspices and guarantee of Britain ! For 
this, they would barter the dearest rights of their Country — 
For this, they would wade through blood — It is for this, they 
justify the enemy, condemn their own govcrimicnt, and rejoice 
at the success of England, and the misfortunes of America — It 
is for this, we think, the Governor has been induced to refuse 
the mihtia, and ministers oi' religion have con\erted the desk 
into a theatre of abuce, ribaldry and vulgarity. Desparing of 



16 

governing the whole, this party would se\'er the Union, that 
they might govern a part. 

Arc you prepared to cut the cord, which binds us together, 
and re- unite us with Britain ? Are your Southern brethren, 
who fought by your sides, and shared ^\ithyou in the distresses ■ 
and glory of the Revolution, to be abandoned for the vain and 
dazzling splendor of royalty '? Will you raise your hands 
against your brethren, and involve your country in all the liorrors 
of a civil war, merely because certain Gentlemen in Boston 
\vant power ? No, Fellow Citizens, the fire of Patriotism is 
kindling in your bosom — You will indignantly frown at, and 
manfully resist every attempt to weaken that Union, from which 
you have denved so much prosperity and happiness. What 
boon are we to obtain by a dismemberment of the Union ? 
After brother has murdered brother, parent child, and child 
parent ; after cities arc involved in flames, monuments of wealth 
and grandeur tumbled into ruin, and the temples of the Most 
High prostrated in the dust ; m'hat new privilege will 

HAVE BEEN SECURED ? WhAT VIOLATED RIGHT PRESER- 
VED ? What better government established? Weak 
and unable to protect ourselves, we should be compelled to call 
to our aid, some foreign nation, and surrer.der our liberties, as 
the price of our protection. 

Let us remember that, for thirty years, we have enjoyed the 
rich fruits of our glorious Revolution — That our rulers are 
chosen by, and responsible to us — That we are not taxed with- 
out our consent — That our lives, liberties and property are sec- 
ured to us by wholesome laws, imder the Administration of 
intelligent judges and impartial juries — And that our worship is 
free and our religion requires no human "bulwark'' to defend 
it — Let us unite to detect, suppress lind resist plots, conspira- 
cies, rebellion and treason, and to defend the honor and glor)' of 
the American name ; remembering, that a vigorous prosecution 
of the war, is the only way to affect a speedy, safe and honorable 
peace — And looking to the God of armies, for his divine 
protection, we have good reason to hope and believe, that he, 
who has so often "made bare his arm for our salvation," will 
lead the United States to victory, glory, peace and 
happiness. ALEXANDER RICE, Fresiderif. 

DANIEL W GOD, Sn-retary 



